Regional Voices Take the Lead
Sweeping major awards at Cebu's SineDisipulo XIV, Chelsea Tasic’s short film “Isa Ka Higayon” is a powerful triumph of regional storytelling that successfully carries its Visayan momentum onto the national cinematic stage.
Words Rebelyn Beyong
Photos courtesy of Bacolod Film Festival and La Salle Film Society
May 07, 2026
Far from the bustling soundstages of the capital, a new wave of visionary artists is proving that the heart of Philippine storytelling beats vigorously in the provinces. Leading this creative charge is Chelsea Tasic, a senior nursing student from the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, whose short film “Isa Ka Higayon” (One Time) swept major accolades at the recently concluded SineDisipulo XIV in Cebu.
Her remarkable work is a testament to the visceral power of regional cinema, merging emotional depth with precise technical execution to captivate audiences both locally and nationally.
Claiming the cinematic spotlight in Cebu
Organized by the University of San Carlos’ CINEMATA, the 14th edition of the SineDisipulo film festival celebrated student filmmakers across Visayas and Mindanao region under the evocative theme “Railways through the Regions”. Showcasing an impressive lineup of 20 narrative and documentary shorts, “Isa Ka Higayon” emerged as a towering achievement.
Chelsea Tasic in A Flower A Day
Tasic proudly brought home the highly coveted Best Director award, recognized for her cohesive vision and distinct cinematic voice that masterfully guided the film’s narrative atmosphere.
Joining her in the winner's circle was Jabez Tondo who secured the Best Editing award. Tondo's assembly of shots was celebrated as a testament to the film’s rhythm and structure, effectively highlighting how the pacing maximized the story’s emotional stakes.
A masterclass in collaborative filmmaking
Produced by the La Salle Film Society, this cinematic triumph is undeniably a product of passionate collaboration and shared creative vision. Beyond its two major wins, the film garnered critical recognition across the board, earning nominations for Best Film, Best Screenplay for Ayllyn Mhare Ureta, and Best Production Design for Gwen Deniega. The cast was equally celebrated, with Albert John Paul Dillomes and Wilma Larrazabal earning nods for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
Chelsea Tasic directs a scene in Isa Ka Higayon
This multi-faceted recognition serves as a powerful validation of regional storytelling, proving unequivocally that high-caliber production and compelling narratives are flourishing beautifully outside traditional capital-centric hubs.
Echoing beyond the Visayan islands
The momentum from these impressive victories in Cebu naturally carried “Isa Ka Higayon” onto the national stage. The short film proudly competed in the student category of the 8th Sinag Maynila Film Festival, a prestigious milestone that allowed Tasic's work to engage with industry professionals and a much wider audience.
Behind the Scenes of Isa Ka Higayon
Sinag Maynila is renowned for championing “independent cinema with a social conscience,” a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the sincere and visceral nature of Tasic’s storytelling.
Already recognized at the Bacolod Film Festival in 2024 and Sine Negrense: The Negros Island Film Festival for the past three years, Tasic is rapidly cementing her reputation as an emerging filmmaker to watch. This year’s SineDisipulo, held at Kyurēto Art Space in partnership with SM J Mall Cebu, also celebrated other regional talents alongside Tasic.
Works like “Ang Kabug Aton sa Nangabilin” won Best Film and Best Screenplay, while "Asa si Mar-Mar?" earned the Special Jury Prize, highlighting a deeply vibrant Visayan film community.
The success of “Isa Ka Higayon” is ultimately more than just a personal victory for Tasic and her dedicated crew. By beautifully capturing the complex nuances of the human experience through an authentic regional lens, the film contributes to a richer, infinitely more diverse landscape for Philippine cinema.
As the festival concluded its glamorous awards night at the mall's Izakaya Terrace, one thing became abundantly clear: the future of Philippine independent cinema is proudly regional, and its time is unequivocally now.
